Gambia, The
Author | George Kurian |
Pages | 412-413 |
Page 412
Official country name: Republic of the Gambia
Capital: Banjul
Geographic description: Smallest country in the continent of Africa, an enclave of Senegal in West Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Population: 1,593,256 (est. 2005)
Gambia, The
Before 1855 the enforcement of law and order and the prevention of smuggling on the River Gambia was in the hands of an armed militia and imperial troops. In 1855 a river police of ten men was formed with a vessel under the command of a European. In 1866 some of the imperial troops were withdrawn and replaced by trained constabulary. In 1870 all the imperial troops were withdrawn and the strength of the constabulary was raised to 100. In 1901 the strength of the force was 2 officers and 80 men. On the eve of independence in 1958 the strength of the force had grown to 284 officers and men. When the Gambia Regiment was deactivated, the force, now known as the Gambia Police Force, took over the defense role as well under an inspector general as commander.
The Gambia Police Force is commanded by an inspector general headquartered in Banjul, who reports to the secretary of state for the interior. Territorially, the country is divided into four operational divisions, including one division covering the capital. The operational divisions include a Criminal Investigations Department, a licensing office, and a traffic division. The police also supervise the fire brigade.
The inspector general also controls the Field Force, which is responsible for internal security and ceremonial duties.
Education is provided for all ranks at the Police Training School in Banjul.
The uniform is either a khaki drill, short-sleeved, open-neck tunic worn with matching trousers or a gray bush shirt with black trousers. At night a black, closed-neck tunic is worn with matching trousers. A black peaked cap and a black leather belt complete the uniform.
The General Police are not armed but the Field Force is equipped with small arms and rifles.
Total Police Personnel: 428
Population per Police Officer: 3,722
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